2020 Annual Report - South Bend Venues Parks & Arts

ANNUAL REPORT 2020

A Y E A R LI KE N O OTH E R

219 S ST LOUIS BLVD, SOUTH BEND, IN 46617

|

(574) 299-4765

|

SBVPA.ORG

MAYOR James Mueller

VPA SENIOR STAFF: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Aaron Perri CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER Annie Smith EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF VENUES Jeff Jarnecke

CIVIC CENTER BOARD OF MANAGERS: PRESIDENT Aaron Perri VICE PRESIDENT Michael Neises SECRETARY Randy Kelly TREASURER Dr. David Varner Linda Doshi

DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES & GROUNDS John Martinez

Greg Downes

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Ken Glowacki

Gil Michel

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE – VENUES Marika Anderson DIRECTOR OF RECREATIONAL EXPERIENCES Jonathan Jones DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING Cynthia Taylor DIRECTOR OF GOLF Tony Stearns

Dennis Andres, Jr.

Charmaine Torma

MORRIS 100 COMMITTEE: CHAIR Greg Downes CHAIR Mary Downes

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS CENTURY CENTER Scott Herczeg DIRECTOR OF BOX OFFICE & EVENT SERVICES Michelle DeBeck PROJECT MANAGER Patrick Sherman OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Eva Ennis

BOARD OF PARK COMMISSIONERS: PRESIDENT Mark Neal VICE PRESIDENT Consuella Hopkins Aimee Buccellato

VPA FOUNDATION MEMBERS: PRESIDENT Dru Cash SECRETARY Jill Dawson TREASURER Kevin Poe Dr. Marvin Curtis

Kerie Graham

Mikki Dobski

Dave Matthews

Sam Centellas

Beth Sanford

Matt Kahn

Judy Ferrara

Amy Hill

Carla Myers

Steve Camilleri

Kelly Bellinger

Dr. Mike Chapple

Kelly Stanley

Chris Chockley

Katie Berrettini

Dan Farrell

VENUES PARKS & ARTS INSPIRES A MORE LIVABLE SOUTH BEND FOR ALL, CONNECTING US TO EMOTIONALLY ENGAGING EXPERIENCES AND TO ONE ANOTHER.

LETTER FROM THE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Like the rest of the world, our operations took a drastic turn in 2020. We had to take a step back and redefine our role in building community.

At the onset of the crisis, our team jumped into action to help address food insecurity by participating in an effort to supply and distribute hundreds of thousands of meals throughout out community. We also helped with critical community communications and fundraising efforts, bringing awareness and thousands of dollars to address the COVID-19 emergency.

Most of our facilities went dark for a time, but we continued our mission to connect our city to engaging experiences and to each other.

We switched gears from planning largescale gatherings to hosting virtual events and experiences. We kept our community active and engaged by providing safe places for them to be outdoors – whether by routinely sanitizing playgrounds, offering outdoor fitness classes, or other physically distant activities. Hosting e-learning sites at three of our community centers, we were part of a partnership serving hundreds of students and families with virtual schooling needs. All the while, our Facilities & Grounds team took on a new identity as “essential workers” – keeping our community clean, safe, and accessible.

While this year was a year like none other, our programming remained engaging and we didn’t miss a beat with our planned projects. At times it can seem like there is little to agree on in this world, and for some, hope seems bleak or the future seems uncertain. For those reasons, it remains critical that we’re investing in our shared public spaces which are designed for respite, recreation, inspiration, and togetherness. Our programs looked different, but we remained as active as ever. Like so many of us, we’re eager about 2021 for so many reasons.

There is much to reflect upon – some sobering and some exciting… but I’m grateful to work for a team whose commitment to community-building and our shared public spaces is as strong as ever.

AARON PERRI Executive Director

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW POWERED BY:

104

FULL-TIME STAFF

183

PART-TIME STAFF

411

VOLUNTEERS

16

INTERNS

BUDGET STEWARDED:

$17,863,806 REVENUES

$9,566,806 $2,468,562 $2,288,364 $1,061,421 $904,581 $800,000 $92,821 $21,605 $11,508

Property Taxes Venues Charges for Services Donations Other Taxes Interfund Transfers Misc. Revenue Misc. Reimbursements Interest Earnings

$18,926,314 EXPENDITURES

$6,797,500 $3,819,266 $2,773,309 $1,501,398 $1,499,024 $909,379 $882,516 $743,923

Facility & Grounds Venues Recreation Golf Admin Capital Marketing & Events Zoo/Greenhouse

KEY FIGURES:

3,500+

$967,755

Through Skate-it-Forward initiative

Through grants, donations, retail, etc.

77

$20,734

In e-learning at Pinhook, Charles Black, and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Centers

Through the 27th Annual Directors’ Youth Scholarship Golf Outing

$18,000

1,560

To benefit the COVID-19 food insecurity initiative through the Side-by-Side t-shirt campaign

Despite the limitations in place due to COVID-19

SERVED

STUDENTS PARTICIPATED

RAISED

RAISED

RAISED

VOLUNTEER HOURS SERVED

RECOGNITIONS •

Four Facilities and Grounds supervisors attended and passed Year One and Year Two of the NRPA Maintenance Management School.

•

2020 AIA Indiana Honor Award Winner (Howard Park)

•

VPA Volunteer of the Year: Steve Sass

•

VPA Project Manager, Patrick Sherman, received his Project Management Professional Certification.

•

PUBLICATION APPEARANCES

•

Indiana Parks and Recreation Association highlighted “Park People” article from VPA’s Spark Magazine.

•

For the 23rd year in a row, VPA received Tree City USA designation.

•

Facilties and Grounds team was a recognized participant in the OSHA Safety Program “Safe and Sound Week”.

•

Midwest Living Magazine, “Top 5 Places to Visit this Winter” (Howard Park)

•

Indiana Parks & Recreation (VPA)

•

Forms & Surfaces Magazine (Howard Park)

•

Landscape Structures Magazine (Howard Park)

•

The Journal of the American Institute of Architects (Howard Park)

“…Parks, trails and other public open spaces have been crucial resources available to people seeking a brief respite from the public health crisis.”

– NRPA ENGAGEMENT STUDY 2020

SOCIAL EQUITY Strengthening the community through increased inclusion by consciously serving all populations throughout our accessible venues, equitable parks & free programming.

63

FREE EVENTS HELD

•

South Bend’s shared public spaces became center stage in demands for social justice.

•

In a partnership with Boys & Girls Club and South Bend Community School Corporation to provide e-learning for hundreds of students, VPA hosted e-learning sites at three community centers.

•

14 South Bend youth participated in VPA’s Mentored Mowing Program where they mowed over 600 vacant lots and maintained City Cemetery and Bowman Cemetery.

•

Part of a partnership that distributed over 25,000 meals daily throughout the county, including at 7 park locations.

Over 4,069 total event attendees

200

JOBS CREATED BY VPA PROGRAMS

91

YOUTH MENTORED THROUGH THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

100,000 MEALS PACKAGED

To continue serving the community by providing engaging experiences, VPA shifted gears to offer innovative programming throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

•

Physically distanced outdoor fitness classes and concerts

•

“Lean on Me” music video highlighting regional musical talent reaching over 15,700 viewers on social media

•

Virtual Experiences hosted on Facebook highlighting South Bend venues and attractions

•

Virtual DJ Dance Parties with local DJ Chuck Fry

•

Boomer events to distribute masks and bring awareness to COVID-19 precautions

360 hours worked at Cultivate Food Rescue

3,738

EAST RACE RAFTER VISITS

“PARKS AND RECREATION IS ESSENTIAL — ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES, ESSENTIAL FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY AND ESSENTIAL FOR EQUITY.” – NRPA 2020 ENGAGEMENT REPORT

© SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACT Empowering residents & employees to contribute, take pride in & feel safe in our city.

PINHOOK PARK

HOWARD PARK

• • • • • • •

• • •

• • • • • •

New playground ADA accessible kayak launch New fishing pier Reconstructed boat launch ¾ mile multi-use path around park 2 resurfaced parking lots Trailhead with water fountain and bike repair station Updated signage and wayfinding Updated event hall space Updated lobby Updated bathrooms (now ADA compliant) New security and camera systems Updated A/V including speakers, projector, and content delivery

PULASKI PARK • •

•

LEEPER PARK – PHASE II • •

Large river overlook Road safety improvements including curb bump-outs for smaller crossings, speed bumps, and signage

Resurfacing at Muessel Grove Park Resurfacing at Walker Field Park New half court at Randolph Park

GOVERNOR JOE KERNAN PARK AND TRAIL • • • • •

New path from Howard Park to Sample St. New lighting along trail Extensive repairs of failing WPA wall Removal of defunct trail adjacent to water Addition of two river overlooks

POTAWATOMI ZOO •

New entrance, gift shop and educational spaces

New irrigated soccer fields, ADA compliant restrooms, playground, water feature and landscaping Renamed Dolores Huerta Pavilion and Fields

Boomer was a key component in hosting events throughout the health crisis. From distanced movie nights, a neighborhood popsicle handout, and partner events with the St. Joseph County Library, Boomer brought smiles to our community.

Our Facilities & Grounds safety division stepped into action all year long to provide safe and healthy environments for residents and staff using VPA facilities.

ATHLETIC COURT UPGRADES • • •

Startup of Rask Family Fountains “Joy in Every Season” playground mural Two community art projects, “Ode to Cottonwood” and “Perspective”

•

Conducted over 487 hours of safety training for all VPA employees ranging from first aid to aerial rescue.

•

Inspected 245 playground this year across 35 parks (121 hazards identified and repaired)

•

Implemented new state-of-the-art cleaning equipment and disinfecting procedures at our facilities.

•

Provided over 3,000 face masks to residents using VPA programs and facilities.

•

Arranged for over 20 portable hand washing stations to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. These portable stations were deployed to various parks, service agencies and our under-serviced neighbors.

“DURING THIS PERIOD OF QUARANTINE, PARKS AND PUBLIC LAND ARE SEEING SOME OF THEIR HIGHEST USAGE IN MODERN TIMES, AND PARKS ARE PROVING TO BE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF HOW WE COPE AND RECOVER FROM THIS CRISIS.” – THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND, SPECIAL REPORT 2020

“Parks and Recreation is essential - It provides places for people to increase their physical activity, meet with friends and family, reconnect with nature or help a neighbor in need.”

– NRPA ENGAGEMENT STUDY 2020

ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP Holding ourselves accountable for ecological progress by implementing sustainable business practices, engaging in public ecological education & protecting our environment.

Our grounds crews worked tirelessely to improve the ecological health and beautify our city’s parks and public space through the following efforts: •

Removed invasive species throughout city parks including Knotweed, Amur Honey Suckle, and Eurasian Watermilfoil

•

Installed 4726 bulbs, flowers, and plants around various Parks including projects along Smart Streets, Howard Park, Gov. Joe Kernan Park, Leeper Park, Veterans Memorial, O’Brien, Pinhook, Pulaski, Ravina, Riverside, Rum Village, and Jon Hunt Plaza

•

Planted 150 trees in parks

•

Planted 63 trees along the downtown Smart Streets

•

Gave away 70 trees to the public

•

Transplanted 64 trees from urban nurseries into our park system

•

Transplanted 23 trees from Elbel nursery into our parks system

•

Pruned and provided beneficial healthcare to 1,161 parks trees

•

Pruned and provided beneficial healthcare to 1,152 city trees

•

Watered 5,063 trees in parks and the downtown area

•

Fertilized 1,409 downtown trees

•

Installed tree support systems in 29 trees, support the trees by limiting the movement of branches and leaders

•

Performed yearly river window maintenance and brush clearing along Veterans Memorial, Riverside Drive and Governor Joe Kernan to provide pleasant vista views along 4.4 miles of riverbank.

•

Secured funding from DCI for our new 2021 tree lawn planting program, “One Tree at A Time- Restoring South bend Urban Tree Canopy Program”.

•

Urban tree recycling program where we recycle trees by selling logs to the local sawmills. This program reduces the total amount of woody materials going into our landfills.

•

2,907 mowing abatements completed on vacant and abandoned lots for Code Enforcement.

•

Continued to lower our Code Violation mowing response time to an average 5.7 (down from 7.4 in 2019, 9.7 in 2018).

•

Mowed 5,500 properties for the City of South Bend and Department of Community Investment.

•

Removed graffiti from 225 residential and business properties at no cost.

•

South Bend has 26% urban tree canopy coverage with an overall goal of reaching 40%.

The Ecological Advocacy Committee produced a comprehensive Natural Resource Management Plan providing expert guidance to protect and improve the future ecological health of South Bend’s assets, a document that’s first-of-its-kind among park agencies.

“PARKS ARE NOT JUST GREEN SPACES. ...STUDY AFTER STUDY WILL TELL YOU JUST BEING IN A PARK FOR 20 MINUTES WILL IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. IT WILL REDUCE YOUR ANXIETY, IT WILL REDUCE STRESS AND IT ACTUALLY IN SOME CASES WILL REDUCE CRIME.” – KINDER INSTITUTE FOR URBAN RESEARCH

HEALTH & WELLNESS Promoting excellent health & wellness through increasing physical activity opportunities & providing access to parks in our city.

GOLF: ERSKINE, ELBEL, STUDEBAKER

2,000+

ROUNDS OF GOLF FOR FREE Through First Tee initiative

ATHLETICS •

New partnership with YMCA at the O’Brien Fitness Center

•

Over a dozen new programs brought on by new partnerships in the community: •

Live Acoustic Yoga

•

Destination Fitness Classes

•

Yoga in the Park

•

Watercolor Painting Class

•

Music Classes at CBC

ROUNDS OF GOLF IN 2020

•

Learn to Skate Classes

Up 30% over prior year

•

SJCPL Explore A Story Park Tour

•

UB Basketball League

•

Legendary Era Adult Basketball League

•

Fall E-Learning programming

•

GENERATED THROUGH FOOD AND BEVERAGE SALES

Expungement program with Judge Gammage

•

Summer Vibes Festival

Up 19% over prior year

•

Silent Disco Headphone Party

64,000 $190,000 $168,000

41,000+

Up 5% over prior year

Burned over 10 million calories as a community

MEMBERSHIP SALES

ICE SKATERS AT HOWARD PARK

In memoriam: Ray Comer was a staple in our community and VPA family. He served as Athletics Manager for many years, hosting national tournaments at Byers Softball Complex, tennis camps at Leeper Tennis Complex and – his favorite – pickleball at O’Brien Recreation Center.

“STAYING PHYSICALLY ACTIVE IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP YOUR MIND AND BODY HEALTHY. IN MANY AREAS, PEOPLE CAN VISIT PARKS, TRAILS, AND OPEN SPACES AS A WAY TO RELIEVE STRESS, GET SOME FRESH AIR AND VITAMIN D, STAY ACTIVE, AND SAFELY CONNECT WITH OTHERS.” – CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL

ECONOMIC IMPACT Cultivating experiences to connect people deeper to the fabric of the community & using our resources to generate an economic impact.

THE SHUTTERING OF OUR VENUES RESULTED IN AN ESTIMATED NET LOSS OF $34.29M IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY FOR THE YEAR 2020.

2020 ROOM NIGHTS

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

•

Anticipated: 18,000

2020 EVENTS

•

Actual: 1,802

• • •

CENTURY CENTER

2020 EVENTS •

Anticipated: 371

•

Held: 149

•

Canceled due to COVID-19: 157

•

Postponed due to COVID-19: 21

PROJECTS •

Invested more than $1M to update the Bendix Theatre into an esports arena and launched the LAN Gaming Center

•

Updated North Elevator

Canceled due to COVID-19: 38 Postponed due to COVID-19: 21 Actual events that occurred: 40

PALAIS ROYALE • • • •

Events completed: 23 Events canceled due to COVID-19: 16 Events postponed to 2021: 18 Events postponed to 2022: 2

OTHER •

Renewed operating agreement with Navarre Hospitality Group for an additional three years

$120M+ ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MY SB PARKS & TRAILS TO DATE

“AT TIMES IT CAN SEEM LIKE THERE IS LITTLE TO AGREE ON IN THIS WORLD AND FOR SOME, HOPE SEEMS BLEAK OR THE FUTURE SEEMS UNCERTAIN. FOR THOSE REASONS, IT’S CRITICAL WE’RE INVESTING IN SHARED PUBLIC SPACES AND DESIGNED TO ATTRACT PEOPLE TO ONE ANOTHER FOR RESPITE, RECREATION AND TOGETHERNESS.” – AARON PERRI

2020 – A YEAR LIKE NO OTHER

LOOKING FORWARD

VENUES

FACILITIES & GROUNDS

•

•

•

•

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Launching campaign to raise $30M+ and celebrating the Morris’ 100th anniversary in 2022.

•

35th Street wetlands

CENTURY CENTER Hosting South Bend’s first national level esports event in late 2021.

•

Seitz Park

•

East Bank Trail

•

Pinhook kitchen renovations

GOLF Hosting more than 65,000 rounds plus 2,500 rounds in the “Kids Play Free” program in addition to dedicating the expanded clubhouse at Studebaker

•

O’Brien renovation

•

Asphalt athletic court repair

•

Riverlight improvements

•

Randolph Park improvements

•

Pier Park renovation

•

Mussel Grove restroom remodel

•

MLK Center improvements

•

Signage and branding upgrade

•

VPA residential tree giveaway program

RECREATION •

Completion of O’Brien Fitness Center renovations

•

Enhancing online user experience through a complete overhaul of online reservation system

•

•

Taking on several projects in 2021 to continue to enhance the amenities of our public spaces in South Bend

Continuing the mobile community recreation initiative (extensive programming in all six of the city’s districts) Return to creating a year full of exciting recreational experiences for the community, especially after a year of cancellations and shutdowns

DEVELOPMENT •

Hosting the 4th Annual Best. Week. Ever. and the first ever Howard Holiday Market

•

Raising funds for the Youth Scholarship Program at the 28th Annual Directors’ Youth Scholarship Golf Outing

•

Opening of the Pinhook Park Native Tree Trail

219 S. St. Louis Blvd. South Bend, IN 46617 Phone: 574-299-4765 sbvpa.org Connect With Us: @sbvpa

Morris Performing Arts Center South Bend City Cemetery